Shawnee Mac Lakes Conservation Area

Shawnee Mac Lakes Conservation Area offers a boat ramp providing access to Turner Lake, a 17-acre impoundment in the Salem area of Dent County. This is an excellent option for kayakers and canoeists seeking a calm-water paddling destination, as the small lake size makes it ideal for leisurely exploration. A 1.0-mile grass trail circles the lake, providing scenic shoreline views. The conservation area also features a second boat ramp on nearby Ziske Lake (30 acres) if you're interested in exploring both lakes.

The access site is well-developed for outdoor recreation, with primitive camping, picnic areas, a pavilion, and privies available. A fishing jetty is also present if you want to combine paddling with fishing opportunities. To reach the site from Sunrise Beach, take Highway 5 south, then Route F approximately 1 mile, followed by Route TT northeast for about 2.3 miles.

This location works best for recreational paddlers and anglers looking for protected, shallow-water paddling rather than distance touring. Given the small lake size and grassland/forest setting, expect minimal boat traffic and a peaceful natural environment.